Ford Logo...copyright Infringement??

Hey everyone..I have a question. I know we are not allowed to SELL character cookies (or cakes..such as Spongebob, Mickey Mouse, Dora..etc), without, permission. But does anyone know if we are allowed to do the "Ford" logo? I have a cookie order and she wants some Ford logo cookies. I can make them, just not charge for them. Can anyone confirm this for me please?

Same rules apply to logos, they are copyrighted material. Although, I must say, I am not sure Ford is actively looking for people who violate their copyright, unlike Disney and Nickelodeon, who hire lawyers for just this purpose. Have fun baking!

Wrong, actually. Can't make them AND can't sell them. Because if you make them, you're denying Ford the opportunity to license the copyrighted content to someone who will pay for the right and sell them to the client. Will you get caught? Probably not. But if you want to be true to the letter of the law, it's not legal.

Just curious Nancy, who did you write to at Ford? Not the actual person per se, but what department/area? Did you call / e-mail / write, and where did you find the contact information? This is an area that I want to improve, but I have always been at a loss as to where to start.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had a list of copyright holders, how to contact them, and the likelihood that they will grant the use?

Thank you all so much! I just went the safe route and chose not to make them...offered another alternative. I just see so many cookies posted on facebook and I always wonder, how do they obtain copyright to do them. Such as characters, like, Dora, Elma, Spongebob or even a school logo.

If Wilton sells the mini cake pans with copy rights and you buy them haven't you bought the rights to make it? Examples would be the mini bugs bunny cake pans, Garfield (the cat), Charlie Brown, model T ford, Superman and batman etc. The mini pans may look like cookies because they are smaller than the bigger cake pans. I was just wondering about copy rights on those types of pans. I am thinking that you would be safe to make those or would you? Are these only for home use? Since I only do as a hobby it would not affect me but was wondering for those who are in business.

If Wilton sells the mini cake pans with copy rights and you buy them haven't you bought the rights to make it? Examples would be the mini bugs bunny cake pans, Garfield (the cat), Charlie Brown, model T ford, Superman and batman etc. The mini pans may look like cookies because they are smaller than the bigger cake pans. I was just wondering about copy rights on those types of pans. I am thinking that you would be safe to make those or would you? Are these only for home use? Since I only do as a hobby it would not affect me but was wondering for those who are in business.

Usually the cake pan (or the packaging or instructions) will indicate whether the pan is for personal use only or if commercial use is allowed. Unless reproduction rights are specifically stated somewhere you should assume you don't have them.

AI see a lot of businesses posting photos of cakes and cookies they've made that include copyrighted characters, only once was it clear that they had permission. Now do I take that to mean it's okay for me to do it? Absolutely not. "Everyone else is doing it" is not a legal defense.

It is worth contacting them. I recently contacted a state level government for a copyright request for wedding cupcakes. They were a gift. Since no money was being made, the lawyers were OK and pleasantly surprised I asked. All legal and easy.